Barking Problems

Barking is normal behavior for dogs and one of the
ways they communicate with each other and with people.
Barking can also reflect various emotional states such
as excitement, fear, general arousal, anxiety or friendly
playfulness. Expecting a dog to always be quiet is like expecting a person
to never talk.

When dogs bark excessively it’s not only annoying
for people but usually also a sign that things are not
good for the dog either. You may be on the receiving end
of a barking dog problem, listening to the constant barking
of a neighbor’s dog. Or, as a dog owner, you may
be the one who’s received the complaint from your
neighbor or animal control. Barking problems often turn
into people problems, because both neighbors and dog owners
end up angry at one another.

There are seldom any “quick fixes” for barking
problems. It’s not a good idea to just run out and
buy a bark collar and snap it on your dog. Bark collars
are not the right solution to every barking problem.

Before deciding what action to take, you first have to
determine WHY your dog is barking. There are MANY reasons
for excessive barking. Some dogs are “alarm barkers”,
showing territorial behavior, barking at other dogs and
passersby. Others bark because they are bored, are being
left outside too long by themselves, aren’t getting
their social needs met and leading a poor quality life.

Dogs often bark when they are afraid of noises or of
being alone. Separation anxiety is a common cause of home
alone barking. Attention-getting behavior can also account
for excessive barking, as can frustration, when dogs can’t
get something they want such as the squirrel running across
the top of the fence.

Before taking action to resolve a barking problem, the
reason for the excessive barking must first be determined.
Problem resolution procedures for separation anxiety barking
will be quite different from those needed to decrease a
dog that is aggressively barking to defend his territory.

Anti-bark collars are quite appropriate for some barking
problems, but definitely NOT recommended for others.

PRODUCTS FROM HELPING FIDO THAT
WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND, PREVENT AND RESOLVE BARKING
PROBLEMS

A good place for you to start is with our “Help!
I’m Barking and I Can’t Be Quiet” book.
Inside you’ll find our unique assessment tool
that, after you answer a series of questions, leads you
through a flow chart to determine WHY your dog is barking
and then leads you to relevant behavior modification plans.

If your dog is barking in the car, on walks, or other
times when he’s highly aroused, a most innovative
and effective tool is the Calming
Cap™. Essentially
a comfortable hood that filters your dog’s vision,
your dog is less reactive and therefore less likely to
bark.

Barking at the door a problem? Our “Managing
Chaos at the Door” audio CD gives
you over 10 strategies to stop this behavior easily.